A constantly tripping breaker is a sure sign something’s wrong with your air conditioner, and ignoring it can lead to more significant problems (and a sweaty mess).
When your AC keeps tripping breaker, it can definitely put a damper on your cool comfort. Don’t fret! In this blog, we’ll break down the top 3 reasons why your AC might be acting up, causing those pesky breaker trips. We’ll also equip you with easy troubleshooting tips to get you back to enjoying refreshing air in no time. So, grab a cold drink, follow along, and say goodbye to those frustrating breaker resets!
A tripped breaker is a safety feature in electrical systems that disconnects the power supply when an electrical circuit draws more current than it can handle.
This prevents overheating and potential fire hazards. Tripped breakers can occur for various reasons, including overloading, short circuits, or ground faults.
Identifying and addressing the cause of a tripped breaker is essential to avoid safety hazards and ensure the efficient functioning of electrical systems.
If your AC keeps tripping the breaker, there might be a few common reasons behind this issue that you’re experiencing. Some of the most common are the 3 following:
In addition to being one of the casues of an AC that smells musty, a dirty air filter can also be one of the causes of that you ac keeps tripping breaker.
A clogged air filter acts like a chokehold on your AC. And, as said in our article about Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air But Running, it restricts airflow, forcing the blower fan to work overtime. This increased effort to pull air through the filter makes the AC draw more current, potentially exceeding the circuit’s capacity and tripping the breaker.
Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to increased energy consumption, reduced cooling efficiency, and even damage to the AC system over time.
The compressor is the heart of your AC, and if it’s failing, it may struggle to pump refrigerant efficiently. This can cause the compressor to work harder and draw more current than usual, ultimately tripping the breaker.
Crucially, a faulty compressor startup can be even more problematic. During this initial surge, the electricity consumption can spike dramatically, overwhelming the circuit and tripping the breaker instantly.
It’s important to note that sometimes, your AC’s frequent tripping may not be due to the AC itself but rather a faulty or old circuit breaker. When the electrical load required by the AC exceeds the breaker’s capacity, it can result in tripping.
Ensuring that your AC’s electrical load is within the circuit breaker’s capacity is crucial. Therefore, periodically checking the circuit breaker’s condition is essential to ensure it can handle the required load.
A constantly tripping breaker for your AC can be frustrating, especially on a hot day. But before you call a professional, here are some troubleshooting tips you can try to get your cool air flowing again:
Always turn off the power to your AC unit at the breaker box before attempting any troubleshooting steps.
If you’re unsure about any step, or if the issue seems complex, it’s best to call a qualified HVAC technician.
Check the Air Filter: A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making the AC work harder and potentially trip the breaker. Clean or replace your air filter as recommended by the manufacturer (usually monthly).
Reset the Breaker (Once): If the overload wasn’t severe, resetting the breaker might be enough. However, if it trips again immediately, don’t keep resetting! This could indicate a more serious issue.
By checking these common culprits first, you can diagnose the potential source of the problem and evaluate whether it can be fixed by just cleaning the air filter or if it goes further and professional help is needed.
Remember, never reset the breaker repeatedly – it’s a safety measure, and persistent tripping indicates a deeper problem.
If even with the fix tips your ac keeps tripping breaker, you better contact the HVAC specialists from AAC Heating and Air INC. With over 25 years of experience as a professional HVAC company, you can rest assured that we will ensure that your air conditioning won’t experience any issues anymore.
